Manufacturing Engineer, Sr

Manufacturing Engineer, Sr.

at AV

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer designs and operates manufacturing systems for Aero Vironment’s Unmanned Air Vehicles. The role selects the best technologies and processes for manufacturing, plans and designs the factory, and manages maintenance and continuous improvement of the manufacturing process. Extensive knowledge in production processes, automated systems, and new technology development is required. The engineer defines, maintains, and supports manufacturing processes for the production of Small Unmanned Air Vehicles.

• Creates and manages equipment specifications and documentation for development, qualification, and support of assembly and test equipment for production.
• Implements Lean Manufacturing principles and applies Six Sigma methodology to achieve continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and lead time.
• Generates Value Stream Maps to reduce cycle time, waste, variation, and low production yields.
• Creates manufacturing strategies and capacity models for new and current products, including estimation and maintenance of capital requisitions.
• Generates new and reviews existing work instructions, assembly procedures, and supporting documentation controlling the manufacturing process.
• Costs estimates new tooling and fixtures required to support the production floor; leads Make/Buy analysis on assemblies with cross‑functional teams.
• Performs Design for Manufacturing, cost, and reliability analysis on new products with the design engineering team.
• Works with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure receipt of conforming parts and assemblies.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate the activities of other personnel (team lead).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a similar field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Minimum of 8–12 years of experience in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Test Engineering or a similar field in Aerospace, Automotive, or Commercial industries.
• Experienced in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Methodology.
• Experienced with electro‑mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures, and Bill of Materials.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Project), Minitab, Oracle, Agile, and CAD programs (Solid Works preferred).
• Occasional travel to supplier sites (up to 30%).

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, plastics, composite layups, PCB assembly, mechanical assembly, calibration, and testing processes desired.
• Strong organization, planning, communication (oral and written), time management, conflict management, ability to manage stress, deadlines, and work independently.
• Master problem solver familiar with root cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve performance of self, others, and the company.
• Demonstrates effective time management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excels at teamwork, collaboration, and putting the success of the team above one’s own interests.

• Can work in an office and manufacturing environment (constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

$102,708 – $145,530

This position requires access to information subject to ITAR/EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR or be approved for an export license. U.S. Citizenship, permanent residency, or approved refugee/asylee status may be required for contract obligations.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.
More information:

Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Defense and Space Manufacturing